A somewhat lower turnout at Founders Fest amid steamy weather didn’t Dead-en the enthusiasm for Saturday’s headliner not to mention five other acts who jammed and powered up sets on a relocated stage for the annual street party. Browse the photo galleryand watch video highlights from Saturday’s big party at Local Spins.
Concert reviews · Photos · Summer Festivals
Bounty of good vibes on Day 1 of Buttermilk Jamboree: Local Spins recap, photos
The opening day of Buttermilk Jamboree 2018 at Circle Pines Center spotlighted the dance-inspiring zip of Radio Free Honduras and the regional charm of Madcat Midnight Blues Journey, Zion Lion, The Change and more. The fun continues Saturday and Sunday; get the Friday recap, photos and the weekend schedule at Local Spins.
Lowell concerts hosted by 19-year-old musician boast unique flavor, band-lifting mission
The rock-oriented, summertime “Ryne Shyne” LowellArts series assembled by young Lowell entrepreneur Ryne Clarke boasts a special atmosphere with shows captured on video and broadcast on radio. Read more about the series and check out a photo gallery of recent performer Bet on Rats.
Grand Rapids’ Studio Park reveals 200-seat listening room headed by WYCE’s Quinn Mathews
The unique new music venue is part of the $180 million theatre, retail and housing project opening south of Van Andel Arena in 2019. Quinn Mathews will lead the venture and curate the listening room, stepping down as WYCE manager late this summer.
Brandi Carlile and band offer up catharsis, catchy tunes in Grand Rapids tour stop
Perfect temperatures and a receptive, sold-out crowd at Meijer Gardens set the stage for an evening of emotional but uplifting folk rock. Check out the Local Spins review by Tricia Woolfenden and photo gallery from Kendra Kamp.
Summer Festivals · Upcoming shows · Videos
Donna the Buffalo, Luke Winslow King set to electrify Buttermilk Jamboree with upbeat vibe
This weekend’s family-friendly festival at Circle Pines Center boasts more than three dozen mostly regional acts, including The Accidentals, Mustard Plug and Joshua Davis. Check out the schedule and save it on your smartphone; read more about Donna the Buffalo and Luke Winslow King; watch videos of some featured bands.
Concert announcements · Playlists · Summer Concerts
Tunde Olaniran, May Erlewine, Major Murphy and more to pump up 2018 GRAM on the Green
The Thursday night series on the Grand Rapids Art Museum terrace boasts seven weeks of performances by Michigan stars, including Yolonda Lavender, Organissimo, Fauxgrass, Earth Radio and others. See the full schedule at Local Spins and check out a Spotify playlist of songs from GRAM on the Green artists.
Local Spins on Michigan Radio: Catching up with Lazy Genius, Suzies, Dacia Bridges Project
This month’s Local Spins segment on Michigan Radio’s “Stateside” lent an ear to a rising Southwest Michigan star and two psych-rock bands from Grand Rapids. Listen to the podcast and more from Dacia Bridges, Lazy Genius and Suzies.
Big List Concert Guide · Upcoming shows
The Big List (June 11-17): Founders Fest, Brandi Carlile, Everclear, Buttermilk, Alison Krauss, Steep Canyon Rangers, Four Year Strong
Summer festival season is in full gear, plus there are riveting shows this week featuring Reverend Horton Heat, Trevor Hall, Davina & The Vagabonds (this week’s Local Spins ticket giveaway), some terrific local music showcases and the kickoff of several outdoor concert series. Get the lowdown on this week’s West Michigan concerts, plus some tantalizing Under-the-Radar Picks.
Concert reviews · Weekend Photo Gallery
Concerts in Review: Tech N9NE, B-52s & Lazy Genius, Matisyahu & Stephen Marley, Fitz & The Tantrums, The Record Company, Magic Giant
Local Spins’ photo recap of the week in music also features Brena at the summer’s first Garage Bar Block Party, Kalamazoo’s Pride celebration, Jack Droppers and Nathan Kalish at SpeakEZ Lounge, Brian Koenigsknecht and Mark Lavengood at Old Dog Tavern and much more. Browse 10 colorful photo galleries, only at Local Spins.
Artist Spotlights · Kalamazoo · Local Spins on WYCE · Podcasts · Videos
‘Unpredictable Child’: Dacia Bridges’ journey from German mega-star to rising Michigan act
The singer, songwriter and musician with success in everything from heavy metal to dance music has re-established herself in Southwest Michigan as a rising star while fronting the Dacia Bridges Project all-female super-group. Read the back story about this remarkable artist, listen to the full Local Spins on WYCE radio show podcast featuring her in-studio performance and new music from other regional acts, and check out Dacia Bridges videos at Local Spins.
Audio · Breaking music news · Hot Top 5 · Videos
Lindsay Lou holds onto No. 1 spot in the Local Spins Hot Top 5 for May
Four of the five local and regional artists on the May chart were also on the list for April, with only Michigander breaking into the Top 5 for the first time. Browse the Top 5 and sample music from all of the featured artists.
Marks Swanson’s long ‘strange ride’ in Grand Rapids’ music scene: RSVP Music Chat
The Grand Rapids singer, guitarist and luthier bantered about the ups and downs of a long career — and the lessons he’s learned — as he prepared to make his 43rd straight appearance at Festival last weekend. Listen to the latest edition of Ralston and Sink’s Virtual Podcast.
Jackson Browne enchants fans at Meijer Gardens: The Local Spins Photo Gallery
Browse images from Wednesday’s sold-out concert starring the iconic Jackson Browne with his band and check out a set list from the Meijer Gardens tour stop.
Artist Spotlights · Local Spins on WYCE · Podcasts
On the Line’s quest to craft polished sound from complexity: Local Spins on WYCE
The young Grand Rapids prog-rock band was the latest guest on the radio show, which also debuted new tracks by The War & Treaty, Michigan Rattlers, Eric Fulton and more. Learn more about the group, listen to the radio show podcast.
Artist Spotlights · Upcoming shows · Videos
The Crane Wives keep honing ‘new electric sound’ while growing a national audience
The popular Grand Rapids folk-rock heroes kick off Sparta’s Concerts in Rogers Park series on Wednesday night and play East Lansing and Allegan later this week — part of a busy summer touring schedule for the band. Get the latest about The Crane Wives and watch their videos.
Concert reviews · Photos · Summer Festivals · Videos
Camp Greensky Revisited: First-year Michigan festival awes music fans
Hosted by Greensky Bluegrass, which played all three days with all-star sit-ins from Billy Strings, Mike Gordon and others, the inaugural northern Michigan festival hit all the right notes with festival-goers. Relive the weekend in a Local Spins recap by writer Ryan Boldrey, and photo gallery and video by Anna Sink.
The Decemberists charm sold-out sea of roustabouts and rakes in Grand Rapids
The Portland folk-rock heroes enthusiastically powered through an engaging set of old hits and new at Meijer Gardens on Monday, in spite of frontman’s recent vocal strain. Read the review and ogle the photo gallery at Local Spins.
Big List Concert Guide · Upcoming shows
The Big List (June 4-10): Tim McGraw & Faith Hill, Decemberists, The Record Company, Fitz & The Tantrums, Tech N9ne, Front Bottoms
The first full week of June also boasts Jackson Browne, The B-52s, Steeldrivers, Red Elvises Callaghan, Magic Giant, Stephen Marley & Matisyahu, Nathan Kalish, Rockford Start of Summer Celebration , Scott Pellegrom’s “Dream Hang” and much more. And win tickets to see The Record Company at Elevation inside The Intersection. Get the lowdown on all of this week’s big shows on The Big List.
Concert reviews · Weekend Photo Gallery
Incubus, Phillip Phillips, Gin Blossoms, JJ Grey, BoDeans, Festival launch West Michigan’s summer of music: Photos
The week after Memorial Day brought a slew of summer musical marvels to West Michigan, including the kickoff to outdoor concert series in Grand Rapids and Kalamazoo and tour stops by national touring acts. Browse 10 photo galleries — from Kalamazoo’s HippieFest to Grand Rapids’ Festival of the Arts — at Local Spins.
‘Empress of Soul’ Gladys Knight warms chilly evening at Meijer Gardens with lessons of love
The second Meijer Gardens show of the 2018 season delivered heartfelt classics from a legendary singer, with help from opener Rachel Curtis. Read the review, browse the photo gallery, check out the set list from Sunday night’s show at Local Spins.
B93 Birthday Bash shines at Fifth Third Ballpark with Rascal Flatts
The one-day country music celebration in a new location fired up thousands on a sunny Saturday with sets by Rascal Flatts, Gary Allan, Morgan Evans and more. Browse the photo gallery at Local Spins.
Summer Concerts · Upcoming shows
Summer concerts heating up: Holland, Zeeland, Sparta, Middleville band lineups for 2018
From Delilah DeWylde to The Moxie Strings to Mid-Life Crisis to Brena and much more, regional acts are turning up the heat for a summer of outdoor music across West Michigan. Check out the lineups in four cities.
Concert reviews · Photos · Summer Festivals · Videos
Grand Rapids’ Festival takes it to the streets – and stages – for sunny Day 1
‘A great place to share peace and love and spread music’: An apropos theme for the opening day of a revamped Festival of the Arts 2018 in downtown Grand Rapids. Check out the Local Spins story, photo gallery and some video highlights from the first day’s performances.
Artist Spotlights · Audio · Breaking music news
The War and Treaty announce August release of Buddy Miller-produced album with Emmylou Harris as guest
The Albion-based duo’s meteoric rise on the national music scene also brings festival appearances at Camp Greensky, Bonnaroo, Telluride and Newport Folk Festival. Read the inside story of their Nashville recording sessions and how they met Emmylou Harris for the first time.
Summer Festivals · Upcoming shows · Videos
From Camp Greensky to Farm Block Fest, Graham Parsons and The Go Rounds find triumph, camaraderie, ‘the beauty of life’
The Go Rounds play this weekend’s inaugural Camp Greensky in Wellston, with frontman Graham Parsons touting his Upper Peninsula Farm Block Fest & Reunion come July with an “improbable” roster of stars. Get the lowdown and lineups for both festivals at Local Spins.
Concert reviews · Photos · Videos
Tedeschi Trucks Band impresses in rain-shortened, opening Meijer Gardens show
The summer’s first concert in the renovated Meijer Gardens amphitheater had to tangle with Mother Nature, but Susan Tedeschi, Derek Trucks and crew jammed on with a robust, fan-pleasing performance. Read the Local Spins review of the show (and the amphitheater improvements), browse a photo gallery, scan the set list.
Local Spins ‘Best of Festival’ 2018 Picks: From Trixy Tang to Bowery to The Hacky Turtles
This weekend’s Festival of the Arts will pack downtown Grand Rapids for regional music on a half-dozen stages. And once again, Local Spins asked musicians and writers to spotlight some must-see acts. Use the ‘Best of Fest’ picks as a starting point to guide your Festival exploration.
What You Missed: Buses by the Beach Bus Benefit, Movement revisited and more
Tied up or out of town for Memorial Day weekend? Here’s a recap of some musical magic you may have missed, courtesy of Local Spins and media outlets elsewhere across Michigan. Check out links to coverage of Movement, Bled Fest and more.
Big List Concert Guide · Upcoming shows
The Big List (May 29-June 3): Incubus, Yung Joc, Tedeschi Trucks Band, Gin Blossoms, Festival of the Arts, Camp Greensky, B93 Birthday Bash
This week’s packed lineup also features Andrew McMahon, Gladys Knight, Phillip Phillips, The Menzingers, BoDeans and more, plus win tickets to see the Gin Blossoms and Valentiger. Get the complete lowdown in this week’s Big List, plus some riveting Under-the-Radar Picks.
Concert reviews · Videos · Weekend Photo Gallery
Los Lobos, The Accidentals, Vance Joy, Bob Dylan Tribute bring musical heat wave: Local Spins Photo Galleries
Relive Memorial Day weekend’s musical marvels in photos and videos, from Bell’s Brewery and State Theatre in Kalamazoo to 20 Monroe Live and Founders Brewing in Grand Rapids to the Local Spins Summer Kickoff. Check out the photo galleries at Local Spins, along with video highlights from Sunday’s Local Spins Summer Kickoff outside HopCat.
Breaking music news · Summer Concerts · Venue Spotlight · Videos
Revamped Meijer Gardens amphitheater flaunts new sponsor seating, more spacious lawn area and ‘the wall’
When fans flock to Wednesday’s season-opening show starring Tedeschi Trucks Band they’ll find a dramatically different look to the venue, which also has improved band and crew access to the stage. Take a video tour of the renovated facility and browse a photo gallery at Local Spins.
Concert reviews · Photos · Summer Festivals · Videos
Bus-ting out summer fun: Bus Benefit revs up lakeshore with Lipstick Jodi, Nicholas James
The Memorial Day weekend music fest in West Olive hosted by Buses by the Beach kicked off Friday with gorgeous weather, eclectic music and VW bus camaraderie. Get the recap and browse the photo gallery at Local Spins, where you can also find the music schedule for Saturday and Sunday.
Artist Spotlights · Local Spins on WYCE · Podcasts
Suzies get ‘pretty’ in a psychedelic way, plus new regional music (Local Spins on WYCE)
This week’s episode of the Local Spins radio show showcased Suzies in-studio, plus new tracks by I Believe in Julio, Upstage Crew, Political Lizard, Winnow, Tony Bakker, Baker Brothers and more. Listen to the podcast.
Breaking music news · Summer Festivals
Electric Forest hailed as one of the world’s Top 10 music festivals
A London-based website has ranked the colorful Michigan festival — which spans two weekends in late June — right alongside SXSW and Burning Man as ‘incredible.’ Check out the news at Local Spins, along with links to coverage of last year’s Electric Forest.
Podcasts · RSVP Music Chat · Videos
From ‘American Idol’ to changing young lives through music: RSVP Music Chat with singer Maurice Townsend
Maurice Townsend visited Ralston & Sink’s Virtual Podcast to recap his Top 15 experience during “American Idol” and his work with low-income youth as music director for New City Kids. Listen to the podcast and watch a video from Townsend’s “American Idol” run.
Summer Concerts · Upcoming shows
From The Moonrays to Flexadecibel to Delilah DeWylde: East Grand Rapids, Celadon, Muskegon, Lansing summer concert lineups
Temperatures are heating up and so are outdoor concerts in communities across West Michigan. Here’s the latest Local Spins roundup of schedules for several free series starring regional acts from the lakeshore to Lansing.
Artist Spotlights · Kalamazoo · Upcoming shows · Videos
Marcus King gaining international respect, ready to ‘knock the door down’ with soulful, guitar-driven fire
The Marcus King Band plays Kalamazoo’s State Theatre on Thursday, part of the group’s ceaseless touring as it builds its audience and impresses critics with its frontman’s eye-popping musicianship. Read the Local Spins interview with this guitar sensation and check out videos of his performances.
Watching for Foxes changes name to Winnow; plus new music videos from The Go Rounds, Hollow Front, Shay Elementary kids
The May edition of the Local Spins music news round-up focuses on a new name and direction for a popular folk-rock band and striking new videos from groups on opposite ends of the music spectrum. Listen to the latest EP from Winnow/Watching for Foxes and watch videos by The Go Rounds, Hollow Front and those talented Shay Elementary School fourth-graders.
Concert announcements · Kalamazoo · Summer Concerts
Moxie Strings to Glenn Miller Orchestra: Kalamazoo-area free summer concerts abound
Local Spins’ latest round-up of free community concert series across West Michigan puts the spotlight on outdoor shows in the Kalamazoo area. Take a gander at the diverse band lineups, then grab a lawn chair and go.
Concert announcements · Summer Concerts · Videos
97LAV Summertime Blues series returns to DeltaPlex for 2018 with Walter Trout, Jake Kershaw, Lil’ Ed, Lance Lopez
Celebrating its fourth year in the DeltaPlex Arena parking lot, WLAV also is seeking local opening acts for the nine-concert, Wednesday night blues series. See the full lineup at Local Spins and check out videos of some featured acts for 2018.
Big List Concert Guide · Upcoming shows
Big List (May 21-27): Los Lobos, Buses by the Beach Bus Benefit, The Accidentals, Bob Dylan Tribute, Vance Joy, Griffin House, Metal Fest
The week leading up to Memorial Day is jam-packed with music and fun in the sun, from Evidence Jazz to Earth Radio to I Believe in Julio to Michigan Rattlers to the Local Spins Summer Kickoff outside HopCat in Grand Rapids. Get the scoop on all of this week’s live music highlights, plus some stellar Under-the-Radar Picks at Local Spins.
Concert reviews · Videos · Weekend Photo Gallery
Granger Smith, Leftover Salmon, Mutoid Man wow West Michigan fans; Steppin’ In It, Utopia bring back memories: Photo Galleries
Local Spins’ week-in-review photo roundup also features images from the Bona-Who? fest outside Cedar Springs, Chain of Lakes, Brian Koenigsknecht and Kate Pillsbury playing SpeakEZ Lounge, another Local Showcase at The Pyramid Scheme, the Barley BBQ & Beats event at Van Andel Arena, Bigfoot Buffalo at Tip Top Deluxe and more. Check out all the photos from a lively week of music at Local Spins.
Breaking music news · Festivals · Upcoming shows · Videos
Steep Canyon Rangers and CAN’d Aid show GR love; donate 16 musical instruments to Boys & Girls Clubs
The Grammy-winning bluegrass group’s pre-concert tour stop at the Paul I. Phillips Club included surprise gifts for kids in the Grand Rapids Youth Commonwealth music and performing arts program. Get the back story about this donation and watch a video of the Steep Canyon Rangers’ afternoon performance for some club members.
Yonder Mountain String Band, Pokey LaFarge, Albert Cummings fire up diverse mix for St. Joe’s BBQ, Blues and Bluegrass fest
Saturday’s event in Whirlpool Centennial Park dodged the rain to entertain a big crowd with sets by Yonder Mountain String Band, Albert Cummings, Pokey LaFarge, Appleseed Collective and The Grascals. Read the recap, check out the photos at Local Spins.
Artist Spotlights · Local Spins on WYCE · Podcasts · Videos
Conrad Shock + The Noise bracing for ‘new path,’ second volley of eclectic ‘GR rock’
The band unleashed two robust new songs this week for Local Spins on WYCE, which also debuted new tracks by Suzies, The Extra Texture, Shanf, Minor Element, JRob and more. Listen to the full radio show podcast, watch the video of Conrad Shock + The Noise’s in-studio performance. The band plays the Local Spins Summer Kickoff in Grand Rapids on May 27.
Concert announcements · Summer Concerts
Fountain Point summer concert series returns with The Accidentals, Mark Lavengood, The Fitzgeralds, Earth Radio, The Ragbirds
The Accidentals, The Ragbirds, Appleseed Collective, Mark Lavengood, May Erlewine and many more regional stars have been booked to perform along the shores of Lake Leelanau in northern Michigan. See the full summer schedule of concerts at this picturesque resort.
Breaking music news · Upcoming shows · Videos
West Michigan-bred Nathan Kalish cited by Rolling Stone as one of ‘10 new country artists you need to know’
West Michigan-bred Nathan Kalish was cited this week by Rolling Stone as one of ‘10 new country artists you need to know.’ Read more about Kalish and his reaction to the acknowledgment at Local Spins; watch a video of a song from his new album.
Summer Festivals · Upcoming shows
Bona-Who? festival set to mix things up Saturday with Jake Kershaw, Don Julin, Asamu Johnson, hi-ker and emerging young acts
The all-day free event outside Cedar Springs this weekend boasts an eclectic lineup of young and experienced Michigan acts. See the full schedule and get details at Local Spins.
Listen to Local Spins Live
